Emergency Services

Always prepared, both in the air and on the ground, members of the Civil Air Patrol perform emergency services for state and local agencies as well as the federal government as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and for states/local communities as a nonprofit organization. Ever vigilant, these true patriots make a difference in their communities, not only to assist in times of disaster but also to search for the lost and protect the homeland.

— Conducts 90 percent of inland search and rescue in the U.S. as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and other agencies.
— Coordinates Air Force-assigned missions through CAP National Operations Center at Maxwell AFB, Ala., at a cost of $120-$165 per flying hour.
— Has more than 6,900 aircrew members and nearly 33,000 emergency responders trained to FEMA standards.
— Provides 450 chaplains and 500 character development instructors who minister to youth and adult members and help comfort survivors and victims of disasters.
— Performs aerial reconnaissance for homeland security. — Provides air intercept training, impact assessment, light transport, communications support and low-level route surveys for the Air Force.
— Provides disaster-relief photography and support to local, state and national agencies.
— Transports time-sensitive medical materials, blood products and body tissues when commercial resources are unavailable.
— Assists federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in the War on Drugs. — Maintains an extensive VHF and HF communications network.